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SurveyMonkey CEO Dave Goldberg Dies after Treadmill Accident at Gym

May 5, 2015 4:33am

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<p>Dave Goldberg, CEO of SurveyMonkey, shown here in July 2014 with his wife, Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, died Friday of blunt force trauma to the head after falling on a treadmill, according to media reports. (Photo by Scott Olson, Getty Images.)</p>

[Story updated 12:55 p.m. Eastern May 5, 2015, with details on differing accounts of resort location in which Goldberg died.]

Dave Goldberg, CEO of SurveyMonkey, died Friday after falling while using a treadmill at a resort gym, according to media reports.

Goldberg, who was the husband of Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg, reportedly was exercising on a treadmill at the gym at a resort in Mexico when he fell and hit his head, causing blunt force trauma, according to an article in the New York Times. A USA Today story notes that the state prosecutors' office in Nayarit State told the paper that:

"Goldberg appeared to have lost his grip on the equipment's railings, fallen backward and hit his head. The resulting wound was an inch long, and Goldberg lost consciousness."

Goldberg had been in Mexico with his wife and other family on vacation. His brother, Robert Goldberg, reportedly found him hours later. Goldberg was transported to a hospital where he died.

Despite multiple media reports noting that a Mexican state official had said the gym in question was at the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico, the Four Seasons has denied that the accident occurred there.

"We are deeply saddened by the news of the death of David Goldberg. Our sympathy goes to his family and friends who have suffered this tragic loss.

"Four Seasons would like to clarify that, contrary to some media reports, the tragedy did not take place at Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita. Mr. Goldberg was not a registered guest at our resort, villas or residences.

"As the tragedy did not take place on our property, nor was Mr. Goldberg a guest, we are not in a position to comment further. Again, our condolences to Mr. Goldberg's family and friends. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

A Reuters' story says a spokesperson from the local prosecutor's office offered these details about the location of the gym:

"He said the accident happened at the Palmasola at the Four Seasons Resort, a private 9-bedroom beach front villa, which gives guests access to the facilities of the Four Seasons. Punta Mita is located near the Mexican west coast vacation town of Puerto Vallarta."

The spokesperson also told Reuters that no investigation would be conducted, as the death was ruled an accident.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that Dave Goldberg passed away suddenly last night. Dave’s genius, courage and leadership were overshadowed only by his compassion, friendship and heart.

"His greatest love was for his family. Our sympathy goes out to them and to all who were touched by this extraordinary man. We are all heartbroken."

Accidents on exercise equipment sent 460,000 people to the emergency room in 2012, about 32,000 of which were hospitalized or died, according to statistics from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, as reported by USA Today. In 2009, 19,000 people went to the emergency room because of treadmill accidents, according to a CBS News report.

A memorial service will be held today in California, according to the report by Reuters.